What is the Best Podcast for New Moms?
Takeaway: Becoming a mom changes everything. The experience can be tough, rewarding, exciting, nerve-wracking, and exhausting all at the same time. Podcasts can remind you that you’re not alone in this experience, and they can offer you advice for navigating parenthood. In this post, I talk about the benefits of listening to podcasts and offer my take on the best podcast for new moms.
HOW LISTENING TO A PARENTING PODCAST CAN HELP
There are so many complicated emotions that come along with motherhood. Maybe you've always dreamed of becoming a mom and feel so excited that it's finally your reality. You can't wait to meet your little one and see who they grow into.
However, many new moms also struggle with their mental health. Postpartum depression is real, and it can feel like it robs you of the job and presence you hoped to experience postpartum. You might feel sad, irritable, have a hard time taking care of your baby and yourself, and the whispers of shame that often come with depression may keep you isolated.
Then there's the exhaustion and overwhelm that almost all new parents experience. Even if you don't experience postpartum mental health struggles, the mental and physical load of caring for a baby (and potentially other children) and lack of sleep can really get to you.
Podcasts can help. If you've never listened to a podcast before, you might be hesitant to give them a try. You might also wonder if it's really worth your time and energy. That's totally valid-those are precious resources, especially for new parents!
Still, listening to a parenting podcast can have tons of benefits. Here are just a few.
feel understood
Becoming a new mom is an indescribable experience. Unless you have mom friends or other people in your life who can relate, you might feel alone. Even if you know other parents, your experiences might be totally different.
Listening to podcasts can help you feel connected to other moms who really get it. Since there are so many different podcasts out there, you're more than likely going to find one that's relevant!
Depending on your birth and parenting experience, it might be hard to talk about what you're going through. Just listening to other moms discuss topics that resonate with you can be incredibly healing.
find meaning and purpose
Even if you're not struggling as a new mom, there's no denying that parenthood is life-changing. It takes time to process this life change and discover what being a mom means for you.
Identity changes, shifts in your relationships, loss, and parenting triggers–there’s a podcast episode for just about everything you can think of. Hearing other mamas speak about their experience can help you reflect on your own. You might even gain a new perspective on what you're going through.
There's data to back up this idea. Research suggests that people who listen to podcasts find more meaning in their life. Of course, everyone finds meaning in their own way, but podcasts are a great option if you're open to them.
learn more about parent-and yourself
Many new mamas turn to podcasts as an educational resource, too. They're full of helpful tips for everyday issues that many new mothers face, including:
Deciding to have another child
Creating a birth plan
Choosing baby names
Making decisions around maternity leave
Birth experiences and postpartum care
Time management with an infant
Navigating body changes
Life as a single mom
If you have parenting questions, chances are there's a podcast that addresses them. Podcasts can also help you learn about yourself and your identity as a mom.
Of course, we recommend touching base with your doctor if you have questions about the health and wellbeing of your little one (or yourself). Otherwise, podcasts for new moms can give you answers to questions you may never have known to ask.
make time for your own life
As a new parent, you know how hard it is to make time for self care. Between feedings and changing diapers and simply soaking in life with your new baby, many new parents struggle to carve out time for themselves.
OUR FAVORITE PARENTING PODCASTS FOR NEW MAMAS
There are so many great podcasts for moms. It's important to find the ones that resonate most with your experience of becoming a parent.
If you're totally new to the podcast world or are looking for a new one to add to your weekly podcast rotation, check out our list below. I've rounded up some of the best podcasts for new moms, no matter which part of new parenthood you're in.
Podcasts offer a simple way to care for your mental health without requiring a ton of extra time and energy. You can throw on a podcast when you're in the shower, driving to a doctor's appointment, or right before bed.
Of course, there are many important elements to self care. Podcasts alone won't address all of your needs. However, they can be a quick and effective way to learn, relate, and show yourself a little love.